0lympic Games 2032: Gabba stadium spend plan blast by Mayor Tom Tate

2032 Olympic Games organisers are in the spotlight with a 2018 Commonwealth Games leader spraying major decisions so far. Read views on what needs to happen get back on track

Mayor Tom Tate has blasted 2032 Olympic Games organisers and called for a major infrastructure overhaul in a bid to save billions of dollars.

Mr Tate was speaking in Brisbane at a Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport session on preparations for the 2032 Games.

The mayor talked up the legacy of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. Picture; Glenn Campbell

In a speech to the committee, Mr Tate gave his view on a range of issues:

* He opposed the redevelopment of the Gabba, arguing it was not a “value for money” project “ particularly at a time when Australian families are doing it tough and said a “coat of paint” would suffice.

* The mayor opposed temporary venues in Brisbane, arguing they were the “polar opposite” of legacy”.

“I question why new venues need to be built if adequate infrastructure already exists in cities like the Gold Coast,” he said.

Mayor Tom Tate has blasted the Gabba redevelopment plans.

“In that regard, I note that I signed a venue agreement for the golf to be held at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast only to later be told it would move to the inferior Royal Queensland course.

“This indicates that changes can be made and where significant cost savings can be achieved this must be considered”.

Mr Tate said he was disappointed the Gold Coast was still not represented on the organising committee board.

The project has been slammed for its cost, with Mr Tate arguing the existing stadium only needs a “coat of paint”.

“The Gold Coast’s exclusion from the board with our experience from 2018 and as host of the second most 2032 events is frankly unfathomable,” he said.

The mayor called for an independent board to co-ordinate major sporting events to remove politics from the equation.

“We must acknowledge that it is important to keep politics out of major sporting events to the fullest extent possible – an independent, commercially driven board, that consults with the three levels of government and operates under a clear framework agreed by government will be better placed to deliver venues on time and on budget and achieve the maximum legacy benefits for cities and sporting participants,” he said.